Self-care among older adults

This review and synthesis of the literature on the topic of self-care among older adults defines the construct in terms of preventive behaviours and r esponses to illness that are performed by lay people on their own behalf. A fter placing self-care in a historical context, theoretical perspectives an d key findings concerning its incidence, correlates, and barriers are revie wed. This is followed by a review of the process and outcomes of interventi ons designed to promote self-care. The paper concludes with recommendations for future research, policy, and practice.